Hail and Welcome! I'm Karistan Amalameer and this is my column, Kari's Kreations. When we started tossing around ideas for this site we decided that we needed something fun, something that brought out the artistic side in us all. Faster than you can say "Greenman" I was nominated to write this column. Since I am a self-proclaimed craft addict, it was only natural that I say yes.

I decided that I wanted a column that had something for everyone, wee ones to elders. I hope that you find something that inspires your creative side. If there's something you would like to see, let me know! You can send your suggestions to kariskreations@paganmoon.com.

I plan to have three crafts per column. As such, I have decided to have something simple that kids can make, something intermediate, and something more advanced. I also want to have at least one project appropriate for the season. We'll see what happens. In this issue I have a birdseed project that is simple and easy. There's basic papermaking instruction that is intermediate level. Lastly I have a more advanced cross-stitch ornament project that was supplied by Witches Stitches. I hope everyone enjoys the projects as much as I enjoyed writing them for you.

Blessed Be,
Karistan

Pinecone bird treat

This craft is a nice Yule project to do with the kids. I like to do this after my Yule ritual because we always have lots of birdseed left over.

Supplies:

1. Slightly opened pinecones in good condition
2. Peanut butter [any brand]
3. A small bag of birdseed
4. Brightly colored yarn
5. Scissors
6. A butter knife or spoon
7. A large bowl
8. Wax paper

The first thing you will do is check the pinecones, making sure that they are open and without excess dirt and grime. Then take the yarn and cut it in twelve inch long pieces. Tie the yarn securely onto the pinecone leaving at least six inches free. Next you need to prepare the work area by setting aside a piece of wax paper large enough to set the pinecones on. Fill the bowl with birdseed. Once that is done, start covering the pinecones with peanut butter. Do not cover the top with peanut butter. You want to make sure that the peanut butter is smeared in between the prongs. Once that is done, place the pinecones in the birdseed and coat it well on all sides. When done place the coated pinecone on the wax paper. When you are ready, hang them outside on tree branches where the birds can get to them. I'm sure they will appreciate it.

Papermaking

Papermaking is an ancient tradition that is believed to have started in China in 105 A.D. It has gone on to be a staple in our life. Making your own paper can be a fulfilling craft. If you use recycled materials it will also help our environment. Use it to make your Yule cards, stationary, special pages for a Book of Shadows, or just for the fun of it! Here's one way to make paper. Be prepared, this is a very messy project. Enjoy!

Supplies:

1. Food processor or blender
2. A waterproof tub or a sink
3. Screen
4. Paper material [paper towels, newsprint, napkins, tissue paper, etc]
5. Water
6. Lots of clean towels
7. Baker' rack
8. Ladle
9. Stirrer/ Large spatula
10. Plastic tarp or tablecloth
11. Sponges

The first step is to cover your work with the tarp or tablecloth. Make sure you are wearing old clothing you don't mind getting wet. In the blender, start tearing your paper pieces into small bits, as small as you can make them. Do not cut them because tearing helps the paper bond better when it is formed. When that is done, fill it ¾ full of water, less if you are making a small batch. It should be one part paper to 3 parts water. This is not rocket science. Once that's done, hold your screen and deckle above the tub or sink and ladle/pour the paper mix onto the screen, letting the water run through the screen. When there is a good amount of slush on the screen, spread it around with the spatula or with your hands; try to get as much water out as possible. When you have a piece of paper flip it onto the baker's rack [make sure there is a towel over the top so the paper doesn't fall through the cracks. Place something flat over the paper so that it doesn't wrinkle when it dries. Let dry. Voila, you have paper. Just a note, make sure that the material you use is colorfast. When we tried this at home we used some pretty blue napkins, we ended up with pretty blue hands and towels. Pretty paper, but the dye went everywhere.

Here is another idea of what you can make with the paper mix:

Paper ornaments or jewelry

Find some plastic candy mold and fill with the mix, squishing out as much excess water as possible. When completely dry paint however you like. Then add a hanger for ornaments or make into jewelry.

To make a screen you will need:

1. A large wooden frame, flat sided is best or make one from extra wood
2. Wire mesh screen at least 6 inches larger than your frame
3. A hammer and small nails or a staple gun [staples work best]

Take your frame and center the screen over the top. Then staple it to the center top, stretch the screen and staple the center bottom. Repeat on the sides, making sure that the screen is tight. Then staple the corners, as well as between all of the previous staples. You want to make sure that the screen is securely anchored to the wood frame. Now you can start making paper.

Cross Stitching

Since I am so passionate about needlework, I knew I had to have something for the premier, but I was in a quandary because I am not a designer. I couldn't design my way out of the proverbial paper bag, so to speak. I looked high and low for some nice charted designs, and when I saw the sun and moon designs on the Witches Stitches website, I knew that I had to at least ask if we could use them. Fortunately, Anne Marie and Becca were more than happy to share their designs. You can look at some of their other designs at www.witchesstitches.com. While these were designed to become paper ornaments, you can stitch them on cloth, then make the finished designs into sachets, dream pillows, or even frame them.

Download Cross Stitch Patterns:

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